James Zabel, 43, of Meriden, was behind the wheel of a 1978 Chevrolet Camaro when the car crashed into a tree Sunday night in Cheshire, Connecticut. His passenger, 42-year-old John D’Aniello of Waterbury, was also killed. Both men were taken to a hospital after the violent crash but could not be saved.
The crash happened at approximately 10:45 p.m. on Waterbury Road, according to Cheshire police and fire officials. Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene after the Camaro struck a tree.
When first responders arrived, they found both men trapped inside the wrecked vehicle. Fire and rescue personnel worked to remove them from the Camaro before transporting them to St. Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury.
Despite the efforts of emergency responders, both occupants were pronounced dead at the hospital. Police later confirmed that Zabel had been driving the Camaro, while D’Aniello was seated in the passenger seat.
Zabel was from Meriden, while D’Aniello lived in Waterbury. Their deaths followed a crash that left authorities investigating what happened during the late-night drive.
The collision occurred along Waterbury Road in Cheshire, a town in New Haven County within Connecticut’s Greater New Haven region. Officials have not identified the exact location along the road where the Camaro struck the tree.
As of Monday morning, the circumstances surrounding the crash remained under investigation. Police had not released further details about what caused the driver to lose control or whether any other factors contributed to the collision.
Investigators are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has information that could help establish what happened to contact the Cheshire Police Department at 203-271-5544. Authorities continue to seek information as they work to piece together the events that ended with both men losing their lives.
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